As a parent, you undoubtedly wonder about your children's future and how you can prepare them to thrive in the world. We know the task can be daunting, especially for parents of children with special needs. That's why we were so thrilled to hear about the innovative new programs launching at ICM Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides services to Arkansans with disabilities.

ICM's history stretches back to the 1980s; through Medicaid, they provide clients with care coordination, therapeutic recreation, supported employment, supported living, personal care and much more. But this January, ICM launched its B.R.A.V.O. (Bridging Recreational and Vocational Opportunities) program, a combination of day programs and workshops, social and recreational outings, and skill-building internships.

Located in a beautifully remodeled space in west Little Rock (1525 Merrill Drive), the day-habilitation program is currently up and running, and accepting applications for interested participants. During the day-hab programs, attendees participate in classes on art, money management, health and fitness, cooking and life skills. Plus, the program includes off-site activities to encourage social interactions, such as trips to the theater, park, library, museums, bowling alley and much more.

Internships are also part of the B.R.A.V.O. program. Clients can apply to work and learn skills in one of ICM's special on-site stores. The three shops -- Biscuits, Brushes and Bamboo -- are real stores and will be open to the public for shopping. Workers in the internship program will earn minimum wage or higher, work in a retail environment and interact with customers. They'll build their resume and get help applying for outside jobs that utilize their new skills.

"You can do just the internship or just the day-hab piece. There’s nothing really like that out there," says Josh Wilson, ICM Inc's Director of Operations. "There’s supported employment, but there aren’t solid internships in a real store or business that's just like any other."

ICM is working to open the three stores very soon, Wilson promises. They are currently receiving inventory and fine-tuning the vision for the retail spaces. The three distinct stores combine to create a shopping destination: Biscuits will be a bakery for pet treats; Brushes is an art gallery and studio; and Bamboo is a gift and home decor store.

In the long-term, they hope many of their products will be locally-made or -produced, by both local makers and artisans and by ICM clients. Some of the art in the gallery will be made on-site in an adjacent art studio, with much of the proceeds going back to the artist. And bakers will produce pet treats in the on-site bakery -- customers can even peer through the windows to take a peek at the baking process.

Keep up with the stores' opening dates at Facebook.com/ICM-Inc. Or, to apply for the B.R.A.V.O. day-habilitation or internship programs, visit ICM-Inc.org.